The Shetland Distillery Company launches Hawthorn Festive Gin

It’s beginning to look a lot like…. well maybe not yet, but we’re already getting news of festive gins coming on the market and one of these is from Scotland’s most northern gin distillery, who have looked to new innovations during lockdown to create something special for the festive season. 

Although the distillery doors may have been closed to visitors during summer, something special has been distilling at Saxa Vord Distillery on the island of Unst, Shetland. The UK’s most northerly distillery has recognised the demand for seasonal creations and has been working behind the scenes during lockdown to create something magical, just in time for Christmas: Hawthorn Festive Gin.  

Utilising local botanicals is key to the team at the Shetland Distillery Company and for their new release they have looked to the berries found on the hedgerow staple – Hawthorn. The unique green leaves and vibrant red berries of Hawthorn evoked festive feelings, embodying the very essence of a truly special festive spirit.  

The creation of this festive spirit has encouraged the Shetland Distillery Company to go back to their origins, and only use 9 botanicals. Utilising an abundance of Hawthorn Berries, they’ve created a unique profile of gin, where mellow berry notes are complimented

by the spice of the juniper berries to create a smooth gin, gifted by nature, and inspired by Christmas. Think sloe gin stripped back to its essences.  

Each bottle of Hawthorn has been carefully distilled, bottled, labelled, and finished by hand, with festive green waxed tops and gift tags – the perfect Christmas spirit.  

Hawthorn is now available to buy on the Shetland Reel website at www.shetlandreel.com/  and priced at £29.50.